Alì and OrtoRomi strengthen their strategic partnership with IFCO

The collaboration between IFCO, a leader in reusable packaging solutions for the fresh produce supply chain, Alì, a Veneto-based retailer with deep roots in the local area, and OrtoRomi, a company specialising in the production of fresh salads and ready-to-eat products, continues to grow stronger, delivering increasingly tangible results.

Launched several years ago, the partnership has progressively evolved to structurally integrate the IFCO pooling system and its reusable containers throughout the logistics flow between producer and retailer. This model has made it possible to improve supply chain efficiency and generate measurable environmental and economic benefits for all the stakeholders involved.

“Our successful collaboration confirms that innovative approaches to the typical challenges of the fresh food supply chain can have a direct impact on the environment and our business,” explains Giuliano Canella, Vice-President of Alì.

IFCO’s technological innovations improve supply chain efficiency

A decisive step in the collaboration between IFCO, Alì and OrtoRomi was adapting the logistics flow for IFCO’s reusable foldable containers – known as RPCs (Reusable Packaging Containers) – from Alì stores to OrtoRomi’s production facilities. This reorganisation of the transport of empty containers produced a particularly significant result: a reduction in Co2 emissions of almost 94%.

The synergy between the three organisations was further strengthened by the introduction of new digital technologies and Nestor, IFCO’s stackable plastic pallet. The partnership is distinguished by a shared commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of the entire supply chain while improving operational efficiency.

“We recognise the potential of digital tools in our sector. Our high-quality fresh products are perishable, so timely production and delivery are essential. We cannot afford to put them at risk,” says Luca Chinaglia, Managing Director of Cooperativa Agricola OrtoRomi. “We are delighted to be among the first to test IFCO’s digital solutions in Italy with the Nestor pallet. From experience, we know that we can rely on the IFCO team to focus on our priorities and provide us with what we need.”

The shared objective is to use digital technologies to optimise logistics costs, automate processes and reduce waste throughout the journey of fresh products, from producer to point of sale.

The advantages of Nestor, the plastic pallet managed through pooling via IFCO SmartCycle

Weighing only 14 kg, Nestor is an efficient solution for transporting fresh products, particularly for cross-border movements. Thanks to its stackable and nestable design, when not in use it takes up less space in warehouses and lorries, helping to optimise transport and reduce the supply chain’s environmental impact.
Managed through pooling via IFCO Pallet SmartCycle, Nestor enables customers to benefit from a complete service that includes the management, movement and availability of assets within a closed-loop system. This approach makes reverse logistics more efficient and sustainable, reducing operational complexity and improving flow planning.

In addition to its logistical advantages, Nestor guarantees high safety and quality standards: unlike traditional wooden pallets, it eliminates the risk of loose nails, splinters or sharp edges, providing a safer solution for operators and products.

Its light weight and ease of handling also make it possible to optimise space throughout the supply chain. During return transport, up to 1.386 empty pallets can be loaded onto a lorry, more than two and a half times as many as wooden pallets, with tangible benefits in terms of logistics costs, operational efficiency and emissions reduction.

IFCO’s digital tracking system optimises logistics

IFCO’s experience in managing the fresh produce supply chain is reflected in the development of digital solutions designed to improve visibility, efficiency and control throughout the entire logistics journey.

IFCO’s digital tracking and monitoring solutions will be integrated into IFCO SmartCycle, providing near-real-time visibility of the movement and condition of reusable crates and pallets throughout the supply chain. The system will provide operational information on asset utilisation levels, average supply chain transit times and end-to-end asset movements, while integrated sensors may monitor environmental conditions such as temperature during transport. Taken together, these features will help producers and retailers better understand and optimise their logistics operations.

By combining digital visibility with reusable packaging solutions, IFCO helps customers make faster, more informed decisions, improving efficiency, reducing food waste and helping to create a more resilient and sustainable fresh produce supply chain.

“Supply chain digitalisation is not just about collecting data, but transforming it into concrete operational decisions,” says Alessandra Fumagalli, IFCO’s Country Manager Italy. “Having access to reliable, near-real-time information makes it possible to identify bottlenecks more quickly, optimise logistics flows and identify new opportunities for automation and efficiency. End-to-end visibility thus becomes a strategic element in making the fresh produce supply chain more resilient, sustainable and focused on reducing waste.”

The partnership between IFCO, Alì and OrtoRomi is a concrete example of how innovation, digitalisation and circular models can work together to transform fresh produce logistics, making the supply chain more efficient, resilient and sustainable.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.